“We expect to complete the purchase of the property very soon,” said Bottom Dollar Food spokeswoman Tenisha Waldo, of the long-vacant O’Neil Buick lot on the corner of Broad Street and West Barber Avenue. “The store will open in 2013.”

Demolition of the existing properties, which includes the shell of the former dealership’s headquarters and two residential locations, was projected to begin in May.

According to city officials, however, the process has been held up because of individuals who are still residing where some of the demolition is slated to take place.

“There are still some residents in at least one of the properties behind the store,” Councilman Harry Trout said. “From what I understand, they will be out by the end of the month.”

Trout said the future grocer wanted to demolish all the buildings at once, instead of one by one, which is why the process was drawn out a bit.

Demolition is expected to begin shortly after the purchasing process is complete.

“A delay is certainly not uncommon with construction projects,” city Planning/Zoning Board Chair John Belko said.

Just months earlier, deliberations about the market’s coming to town raised eyebrows. There were concerns about its appearance in contrast to the city’s historic buildings as well as what it would mean for nearby ACME store.

The market is expected to take up approximately 18,000 square feet of the old car dealership lot.

The $5 million project is expected to generate more than 60 new jobs and an increase in tax revenue for the city.

On Friday, Bottom Dollar Food opened two additional stores in New Jersey, in Bellmawr and Edgewater Park.

“In February, we announced plans to open several stores in New Jersey throughout this year and in 2013. We look forward to serving customers at our Bellmawr and Edgewater Park locations,” said Bottom Dollar Food President Meg Ham.

While the Woodbury location won’t be open for business by the end of the year, like initially anticipated, the discount grocer’s presence is still on the horizon.